The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council’s Board of Advisors

COLUMBIA, SC – In celebration of 50 years of service to the Midlands, the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council (CRC), a non-profit organization which serves to promote harmony, mutual respect and justice through dialogue, education, programs and partnerships, announces the appointment of ten Midlands leaders to its Board of Advisors.    

Keller Barron Community Activist

Lee Catoe Special Asst. to the CEO, Columbia Chamber of Commerce

Michael Crapps CEO and President, First Community Bank

Lincoln Jenkins III Associate Judge Municipal Court

Dr. Milton Kimpson Retired Community Leader

Sam McCuen Communication Consultant, Agape Senior

Dr. Jasper Salmond Retired Educator and Consultant w/ Wilbur Smith Associates

Kit Smith Community Activist

Rev. Jesse Washington Zion Chapel Baptist Church, Pastor

Mitch Willoughby Attorney, Willoughby & Hoefer

CRC was created to be an important part of the fabric of the greater Columbia community”, said Henri Baskins, Executive Director of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council. “We are very thankful that these highly respected men and women agreed to lend their expertise and historical prospective of community engagement to help us accomplish our mission.   Their support and wise counsel will greatly benefit the Midlands community”.

About The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council

The Columbia Community Relations Council was formed in 1964 as a means of calming racial tensions in the Midlands.  Among its founders were Columbia Mayor Lester Bates, then City Councilman Hyman Rubin, Sr., businessman William Lyles, Sr., USC’s president, Thomas Jones, Attorney Lincoln C. Jenkins, to name a few. In 1965 the organization was incorporated as a not for profit entity.  In 1971 the name was changed to The Greater Columbia Community Relations Council.  Through the years it has become an organization known for advocating on behalf of all Midlands residents.